Management Trainee Spring 2027

MDS is the UK’s foremost food industry management training provider. Founded in 1986 as a not-for-profit membership organisation, we create a pipeline of well-trained, capable leaders to work in all aspects of the food supply chain.

Kick-start your career in the food and fresh produce industry with MDS.

Applications now open for our Spring 2027 intake.

Looking for a fast-track route into leadership and management? The MDS graduate scheme offers driven graduates the opportunity to step straight into real-world roles across the food, fresh produce, agriculture and horticulture sectors. From day one, you’ll receive structured training, a full salary and expert guidance from our team, empowering you to take charge of your success.

Over two years, you’ll work in up to four secondments (each lasting 6-12 months) within some of the UK’s leading food and agriculture businesses - our Members.

These secondments will give you hands-on experience across a variety of disciplines; you might find yourself coordinating a harvest with a major grower in one secondment and then leading a business-critical project with a national retailer in the next.

Wherever you go, you’ll be making a real impact - our Trainees are known for delivering results and driving innovation.

Why choose MDS?

• Be employed by MDS, with a salary of £26,000 in year one, rising to £28,000 in year two
• Relocation allowance of up to £1000 per year
• Benefit from leadership training, including theatre-based sessions, sustainability modules, and projects designed to develop problem-solving and strategic thinking.
• Benefit from tailored mentoring and coaching to help you reach your full potential
• Benefit from excellent career prospects– almost 100% of trainees to date have received a job offer upon completing the programme
• Join a network of over 500 MDS alumni, many now in senior roles across the industry
  
  

What makes a great candidate

We typically look for a 2:1 or above, but if you have strong industry experience, we would still like to hear from you. More importantly, we want to see:

• Leadership potential- the ability to inspire others, take initiative, and make things happen
• Resilience and motivation- a strong work ethic and a drive to succeed
• Adaptability- the confidence to relocate and thrive in new roles and environments every 6 months
• A practical mindset- the ability to solve problems and work independently
• Passion for the food and agriculture industry - enthusiasm for making a difference in a fast-moving, vital sector
  
  

To Apply, You Must

• Have the right to work in the UK by the time the programme starts, and for the duration of the programme (two years)
• Be able to relocate across the UK (and potentially overseas, though this is optional) for each secondment
• Hold a full UK driving licence and have access to your own vehicle by the time you start the programme, as many secondments are in rural areas where public transport is not a viable option
  
  

This is more than a graduate job - it’s a launchpad for your leadership career in an industry that’s essential, innovative, and full of opportunity.

Ready to apply?

MDS recruits over 60 graduates each year, with programme intakes in April and October. Applications are open year-round via our website, and we review candidates on a rolling basis.

The Application Process Is Straightforward And Supportive

• Online application- no testing, and takes around 30-40 minutes to complete
• Video interview- a chance to tell us more about you and your motivations
• Main interview – we assess a range of competencies based on examples from your personal experiences
• Online Assessment – a link will be sent to complete an online assessment
• Assessment Centre- meet the team, take part in group tasks, and show your potential
  
  

If you’re ready to join a network of future leaders and fast-track your career in a thriving industry, apply now!

Application deadline: Continuous recruitment